Barriers to Leisure-Time Physical Activity among Residents of a Rural Wisconsin Community

Abstract

Previous research demonstrated a significant seasonal variation in activity level among the residents of a rural upper Midwestern community, with nearly twice as many individuals reporting no leisure time physical activity (LTPA) from November to March compared to April to October. PURPOSE: This study was designed to improve our understanding of the barriers to LTPA among central Wisconsin residents. METHODS: Questionnaires, incorporating a physical activity assessment tool from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey and a series of previously validated questions regarding barriers to LTPA, were distributed to nearly 2000 employees from 13 local businesses. 300 telephone interviews to randomly selected area households were also completed concurrently. Participants were asked to evaluate the extent to which 16 different factors served as significant barriers to obtaining regular LTPA. RESULTS: 584 business questionnaires (30% response rate) and 300 telephone surveys (58% response rate) were completed. Of the 884 respondents, 43% were overweight (BMI<=25) and 28% were obese (BMI>=30). 86% felt they got enough physical activity to stay healthy, with a similar percentage reporting that they participated in LTPA within the past month. Surprisingly, the largest overall barrier to LTPA was felt to be the high cost of local facility membership/activity fees. Respondents also identified insufficient time to exercise, and conflicting work or family commitments among the most imposing barriers. Compared to those who felt they were sufficiently active to stay healthy, those who did not were more likely to rate potential barriers as problematic. Females also reported higher barrier scores than males on 10 of the 16 items. CONCLUSIONS: Overweight and obesity are significant health problems in our community. This study provides important information regarding existing activity patterns and preferences, as well as barriers to LTPA. This information will be utilized to develop community and business-based interventions to increase levels of LTPA in an effort to help prevent obesity. Whether our findings are generalizable to other rural communities awaits further investigation. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: This project was supported through a grant from the Marshfield Clinic Healthy Lifestyles Special Projects Fund.